Summer is a great time to play around and bond with your little (or big) pet. And with all the summer parties, celebrations, and outings, you bet your dog doesn’t wanna miss any of that.
So, you gotta make sure that your pet has a fun summer too.
But higher temperatures in the summer also mean higher risks for your pets - more pests and bugs, more skin and ear infections, more injuries, and more chance of a heat stroke.
So, here are a few summer safety tips for pet owners, things that you can do to keep your pets safe during the summer and ensure that your pet has a fantastic summer as well.
1. Protect Your Pets from the Heat
Summers are meant to be hot. And although veterinarians recommend keeping pets indoors, the outside world is just too much fun to not be pulled outside for a little fun. So, while you’re outside running around and playing make use of the summer heat safety tips for pets so as to make sure you keep your pets protected from the heat. As a pet owner it is your responsibility to keep pets safe in the heat.
Our body starts sweating through our skin to cool ourselves off. Pets, however, do not sweat in the same way as we do. For instance, dogs sweat only from areas not covered with fur, such as pads, paws, and nose. So the rest of their body can overheat easily under the sun.
Solution? - Simple. Provide your pets with plenty of water and shade whenever possible.
Something else to be worried about is Sunburn. Like we apply sunscreen to protect our skin from getting sunburnt, you can also purchase sunscreens for your pets too. These can protect your pets from the dangerous UV rays from the sun.
An important note: While applying sunscreens or any other products, make sure it’s meant to be used on pets. Products made for human skin can result in irritation and other problems in pet skin.
2. Never Leave Your Pets Inside the Car
Whether it’s the cool breeze from the windows or just glancing outside while the car is moving, most pets love riding around in cars. However, locking your pets inside a car is a big no-no.
Pet owners tend to keep their pets inside the car while they’re out shopping. People might think that it’d be safer for the pets inside the car, because they’d be back in a few minutes. But, it’s quite dangerous as cars can heat up to extreme temperatures within just a few minutes putting the pets at high risk of strokes or breathing difficulties.
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), a car can heat up from 85°F to 102°F in just 10 minutes, and to 120°F in just 30 minutes.
So if you’re out just for some groceries or places where pets aren’t allowed, it’s best if you leave your pets at the safety and comfort of your home.
3. Protect Your Pets From Pests
In summer, fleas, mosquitoes, ticks, ants, and other pests are practically everywhere. These bugs may carry tapeworms, heartworms, and infectious diseases putting your pet at risk.
Fleas and ticks can also attach on the fur of your pets and if not removed, can multiply in great numbers in a very small amount of time. These bug infestations can spread inside your house as well. These parasites feed on the blood of their hosts and can also result in allergies, continuous scratching, and wounds.
So, keep your pets away from dirty swamps, unsanitary, and buggy areas. Also, consult your vet for proper medical prescriptions to keep your pets free of pests.
4. Don’t Shave Your Pets
Most people might think that shaving your dogs or cats is the best solution to overheating for the summer. But a pet’s fur or coat actually keeps the body cool during summer and warms it in the winter.
While it is okay to trim your pet’s hair in the summer, make sure to leave at least 1-inch of hair. And never fully shave your pets. Pet hair or coat protects them from sunburn, hot and cold temperatures.
5. Keep Your Pets Away From Loud Music and Fireworks
Summer parties are all about smoking barbecues, booming music, and colorful fireworks.
Dogs and cats have better hearing capacities that we do. Therefore, loud music to us equals to much louder noise to them.
Fireworks, loud music and noises can scare your pet. It can stress an animal and result in anxiety, growling, and restlessness.
Not just that, fireworks are made with potassium nitrate which if ingested can poison your curious pet. So, keep your pets safely away from loud noises and fireworks during your summer celebrations.
6. Limit Exercise on Hot Days
Exercising on a regular basis is very important for pets as well. It’s better to have a fixed exercise schedule to which your pets are comfortable with. But on hot days, it’s better to keep your schedules shorter or limited to only during early mornings and late evenings.
Asphalt gets very hot during the day and can burn the feet and paws of your pets. So, find grassy surfaces to walk your pets. Also, carry water with you and keep your pet hydrated along the exercise schedules.
7. Know the Signs
Understand your pet’s behaviors. Now, animals may not speak with words we can understand, but there are signs that they can show to tell you how they’re feeling.
For starters, you can measure their body temperatures. A cat’s temperature normally ranges from 100.4°F to 102.5°F and a dog’s temperature ranges from 100°F to 103°F. Anything higher than that means that your pet could be in danger.
Other symptoms of overheating can be:
- Heavy panting and noisy breathing
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Thick drool
- Bright red tongue and gums
- Sweaty paws
- Lethargy
If your pet shows these signs of overheating, you should first move them to a cooler place, provide them with enough water to drink, and try to cool their body by putting a damp towel over their body. If their symptoms don’t improve, take them to the vet as soon as possible.
Hopefully, these pet safety tips for summer help you bond better with your pets and to keep them safe during the summer.